Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) Sedum morganianum
Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) (Sedum morganianum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Crassulaceae family, native to Veracruz, Mexico (described in 1938 from cultivated plants). It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) in your garden →
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Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Veracruz, Mexico (described in 1938 from cultivated plants) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail)
- How far apart should I plant Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs (ASPCA).
- What grows well with Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Long, hanging ropes of plump blue-green leaves packed like braids, perfect for a hanging basket. The leaves fall off at a touch, but each one can root into a new plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Roseroot Rhodiola rosea
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